Unilateral Sinus Pain

Sinus infections affect more than 35,000,000 Americans every year. One of the primary symptoms of a sinus infection is sinus pain around the forehead, in the ears or around the cheeks. For some, sinus pain is on both sides of the face but for many it is only present on one side of the face. When pain is present on only one side of the face it is considered unilateral.

Facts

• The sinus cavity is located in the middle of head, behind the eyes, above the mouth and in between the ears. It's a large, empty cavity that filters unwanted particles in the air from entering the lungs. When the sinus cavity becomes irritated or infected, it swells, produces excess mucus and creates unwanted pressure build-up throughout the head. This pressure leads to sinus pain. When one sinus cavity is more swollen than another, it can produce unilateral sinus pain.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms that unilateral pain is from the sinuses are: runny nose, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, severe congestion, sinus pressure and difficulty breathing. Unilateral sinus pain is typically around the forehead, the cheekbone or the eyes. If you are experiencing unilateral pain without any of the above sinus symptoms, the pain may be from another condition.

Treatment

• Unilateral sinus pain can be treated with three over-the-counter drugs: a decongestant, an expectorant and a pain reliever. A decongestant will reduce the swelling of the sinus cavity that is causing the excess pressure, the expectorant will assist the body in properly draining the excess mucus and the pain reliever will help sooth the unilateral pain. Use these drugs for 3 days. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Prevention

• The best way to prevent unilateral sinus pain is to take a decongestant at the first sign of nasal congestion. If you can prevent the sinus cavity from building up pressure, you can prevent the pain. Drink at least six 8 oz. glasses of water daily, get 8 hours of sleep and eat a well balanced diet. This will strengthen the immune system and help your body ward off any infection.

Complications

• Unilateral sinus pain can lead to migraine headaches, causing excruciating pain. If the unilateral sinus pain is the result of a sinus infection, the infection can spread to the ears, the throat and the eyes. If you experience bloody discharge from the nose and unilateral sinus pain, seek medical attention immediately as this can be a more complex issue.